Where do you go to find a poignant exploration of spirituality, beauty, and the archetypes of Black womanhood? Where do you find a film that accomplishes those things and also addresses more difficult-to-navigate topics like mental health, grief and the difficulty of societal expectation?
“Relatable” is the latest documentary from Atlanta-based filmmaker Ashli J. Washington, who brings her unique voice to the intersectional experiences of millennial Black women with an authentic, unfiltered lens. Washington recently joined “City Lights” Producer Jacob Smulian for an interview to share more about her journey and the powerful themes behind her new documentary.
The film follows seven millennial Black women, including Washington herself, who offer an unflinching view of their experiences with social media, mental health stigmas, and the pressures of traditional expectations.
Rooted in her own experiences – from her close-knit family to her time at Hampton University and Spelman College – Washington highlights how sisterhood and the city of Atlanta, both as a setting and character, have shaped her journey.
“It’s in the air here,” Washington says, speaking to the city’s unique role as a hub for Black culture and identity.
